A number of years ago, the UK Government used to have the Board of Trade—sadly, I can remember that.

The convener wants me to hurry up, so perhaps you could give me a quick yes or no. Should we have a national exporting board or agency that has the expertise to pull all the work in this area together?

I have just a small question. You have said that there is a problem. Chic Brodie said that there are three horses running on the same course. I am not a betting man, but do you agree that we need a national exporting board or something like that—a single agency that would control everything, which people could feed into?

The Scottish brand is well known and well respected throughout the world, whether we are talking about salmon or, from my region, Tunnock’s teacakes, Tunnock’s caramel wafers or Tunnock’s caramel logs. That was a plug for Tunnock’s. Do we need something to manage this whole area and to get everyone involved in promoting the Scottish brand?

If you will allow me, convener, I want to ask the cabinet secretary a final question. What further actions do you believe are required to implement Lord MacLean’s recommendations on the matter that we have just discussed?

Based on the time that I have known you, Mr Gray, I know that you are committed to the NHS and that you want to drive it forward and ensure that we have the best service in the world.

You said earlier that you do not do chief executive letters any longer. Given that Lord MacLean stated that NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde learned lessons from the failures after 2008, what work are you undertaking to ensure that these lessons are rolled out to all NHS boards? I know that you are not doing letters, but what instructions are you putting down to the boards to say that we cannot tolerate this situation?

I had intended to ask one of the questions that Dennis Robertson has just asked, but I am more than happy to move on to another question. Lord MacLean made six recommendations to NHS boards on medical care—recommendations 36 to 41. They covered a range of measures including having sufficient medical staffing levels; undertaking clinical assessment of patients with suspected C diff; having clear and accurate patient records; and ensuring that there is no unnecessary delay in processing laboratory specimens. He found that medical care of patients suffering C diff was inadequate and that there had been poor record keeping, failures to carry out proper medical assessments and reviews, inappropriate prescribing, and unacceptable delays in the commencement of appropriate antibiotic treatment, which has been mentioned.

What does the cabinet secretary expect from NHS boards, to ensure that the lessons from Lord MacLean’s report about the failures of medical care are learned?

Good morning. I note that you have driven most of the trade missions, organising 370 market visits involving 6,000 companies. However, you did not tender for the trade work in 2012, because of contract issues. Why was that?

The Scottish Government announced that an extra £65 million will be made available to the NHS this year. Those funds will help to alleviate some of the pressures and ensure that the NHS can continue to deliver and sustain care of all patients across Scotland. That is in spite of Westminster’s 10 per cent cut in Scotland’s fiscal resource budget since 2010. I hope that people remember that in May.

Meanwhile, the Scottish Government has increased the health resource by 4.6 per cent in real terms, so it is putting its money where its mouth is. It is a pity that Westminster will not do the same.

Then, of course, we have those on the other side of the chamber in the Labour Party, a party that has a poor record in government and whose handling of the NHS leaves a lot to be desired. We only need to look south of the border at the only part of the UK where Labour in still in power: Wales. The Welsh Labour Party has a poor record of dealing with its national health service. Perhaps Carwyn Jones has taken tips from the Labour Party in Scotland—who knows?

Jenny Marra’s motion highlights an issue with transparency and goes so far as to say that there is a “veil of secrecy”. Is that the same veil that the Labour Party used during its term in government when it came to hidden waiting lists? The SNP Government abolished those—something that Labour failed to do for eight years despite acknowledging that they were not in the interests of patients.

The SNP Government acts in the best interests of patients—so much so that patients in Scotland have a high rate of satisfaction in the NHS and public confidence in looking after and protecting the NHS sits with the Scottish National Party and this Government. Under this Government, there has been a steady increase in the publication of statistics about the performance of the NHS. So, when I hear the Labour Party pontificate from on high, across the chamber, about our lack of transparency, I cannot but think of the hypocrisy that Labour members show, given that a record of openness was sorely lacking during Labour’s administration of Scotland’s NHS.

The NHS belongs to all our citizens, and any suggestions for improvements or views on how we can make it run better are always welcome. That is how this Government acts in all its areas of responsibility and it is, I am sure, how it will continue to do business. The national health service is close to all our hearts, which is why the SNP will never stop doing its best to make Scotland’s NHS ever healthier.

I remember when the Labour Party threatened to close the A and E department at Monklands hospital and I remember the views of the community. It was the SNP Government that saved the A and E department at Monklands and protected it from closure, and it has continued with that service. Since then, hundreds of thousands of patients have been treated at Monklands hospital. Where would those patients have gone if not to Monklands? They would have swamped Wishaw hospital or Hairmyres hospital. That speaks volumes for our NHS and how we protect it.

As far as I am concerned, Presiding Officer, it is better to be with the SNP for our NHS.

That the Parliament congratulates Katie Ferrie on being named Scottish Young Recycler of the Year at the Scottish Government’s Scottish Resources Awards; understands that she led Viridor’s operations and management preparedness for the 2014 Commonwealth Games, which helped the Games become the greenest ever; hopes that there will always be the opportunity to recognise the education, skills and intelligence of Scotland's young people, and believes that this is a fantastic example of the type of bright and committed young graduates that the Scottish resource sector needs to flourish.

That the Parliament congratulates Katie Ferrie on being named Scottish Young Recycler of the Year at the Scottish Government’s Scottish Resources Awards; understands that she led Viridor’s operations and management preparedness for the 2014 Commonwealth Games, which helped the Games become the greenest ever; hopes that there will always be the opportunity to recognise the education, skills and intelligence of Scotland's young people, and believes that this is a fantastic example of the type of bright and committed young graduates that the Scottish resource sector needs to flourish.

That the Parliament congratulates Quality Scotland, an independent charitable organisation, as it continues to celebrate the importance of business excellence across all sectors of the economy; understands that Quality Scotland helps over 200 business annually and has helped over 5,000 organisations since starting in 1991; commends its ongoing efforts to promote business excellence across Scotland in the private, public and voluntary sectors and enable organisations to benchmark across Europe; notes that Quality Scotland has opened nominations for its annual Scottish Awards for Business Excellence to raise standards and recognise quality and excellence in businesses, and congratulates this year’s nominees, who will receive their awards at a ceremony in Glasgow on 16 June 2015.

That the Parliament congratulates Quality Scotland, an independent charitable organisation, as it continues to celebrate the importance of business excellence across all sectors of the economy; understands that Quality Scotland helps over 200 business annually and has helped over 5,000 organisations since starting in 1991; commends its ongoing efforts to promote business excellence across Scotland in the private, public and voluntary sectors and enable organisations to benchmark across Europe; notes that Quality Scotland has opened nominations for its annual Scottish Awards for Business Excellence to raise standards and recognise quality and excellence in businesses, and congratulates this year’s nominees, who will receive their awards at a ceremony in Glasgow on 16 June 2015.

That the Parliament welcomes the announcement by the Scottish Public Inquiry into Hepatitis C/HIV acquired infection from NHS treatment in Scotland with blood and blood products (Penrose Inquiry) that it will publish its final report on 25 March 2015; notes the commitment by the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing on 3 March 2011 that there would be "a further review of Stage 1 payments from the Skipton Fund and the implementation of the new measures announced today will be reviewed when the final report (and any recommendations) of the Penrose Inquiry, are considered", and further notes the desire of Haemophilia Scotland that the Scottish Government debate the findings of the Penrose Inquiry as soon as possible after the publication of the report.

That the Parliament welcomes the announcement by the Scottish Public Inquiry into Hepatitis C/HIV acquired infection from NHS treatment in Scotland with blood and blood products (Penrose Inquiry) that it will publish its final report on 25 March 2015; notes the commitment by the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing on 3 March 2011 that there would be "a further review of Stage 1 payments from the Skipton Fund and the implementation of the new measures announced today will be reviewed when the final report (and any recommendations) of the Penrose Inquiry, are considered", and further notes the desire of Haemophilia Scotland that the Scottish Government debate the findings of the Penrose Inquiry as soon as possible after the publication of the report.

That the Parliament congratulates 15th Motherwell Boy’s Brigade on being awarded £7,282 by the Big Lottery Fund and understands that the money will be used to replace outdated camping equipment that is no longer fit for purpose, allowing the group to continue to provide an annual residential week-long camping trip for the club’s members.

That the Parliament congratulates 15th Motherwell Boy’s Brigade on being awarded £7,282 by the Big Lottery Fund and understands that the money will be used to replace outdated camping equipment that is no longer fit for purpose, allowing the group to continue to provide an annual residential week-long camping trip for the club’s members.

That the Parliament congratulates Uddingston Hockey Club on being awarded £2,000 from the Big Lottery Fund; recognises that Uddingston Hockey Club is affiliated to the Scottish Hockey Union and offers training and competitive hockey opportunities, and understands that the club will run a series of female-only taster sessions with the aim of encouraging more women to take up hockey.

That the Parliament congratulates Uddingston Hockey Club on being awarded £2,000 from the Big Lottery Fund; recognises that Uddingston Hockey Club is affiliated to the Scottish Hockey Union and offers training and competitive hockey opportunities, and understands that the club will run a series of female-only taster sessions with the aim of encouraging more women to take up hockey.

That the Parliament celebrates the innovation of harnessing what it considers the wonders of satellite mapping online to allow older people and their carers to pinpoint voluntary services and groups around them, ranging from emotional support for illnesses to line dancing and lunch clubs; understands that the programme, which is now live at voluntaryactionnorthlanarkshire.org/locator, works by the user entering their postcode and the distance that they would be able to travel to receive help or to join a club, and recognises what it sees as the hard work of Voluntary Action North Lanarkshire and other key voluntary organisations throughout the region in rolling out the database as part of the vital work in its programme, Reshaping Care for Older People.

That the Parliament celebrates the innovation of harnessing what it considers the wonders of satellite mapping online to allow older people and their carers to pinpoint voluntary services and groups around them, ranging from emotional support for illnesses to line dancing and lunch clubs; understands that the programme, which is now live at voluntaryactionnorthlanarkshire.org/locator, works by the user entering their postcode and the distance that they would be able to travel to receive help or to join a club, and recognises what it sees as the hard work of Voluntary Action North Lanarkshire and other key voluntary organisations throughout the region in rolling out the database as part of the vital work in its programme, Reshaping Care for Older People.

That the Parliament congratulates Bellshill community council on organising a remembrance parade to commemorate the start of the First World War on 28 July 1914; understands that the parade, which will be held on 3 August 2014, will convey to residents the great sacrifice made 100 years ago by the men and women of Bellshill and surrounding districts in a war that touched all sections of the community, and hopes that "at the going down of the sun and in the morning we will remember them.”

That the Parliament congratulates Bellshill community council on organising a remembrance parade to commemorate the start of the First World War on 28 July 1914; understands that the parade, which will be held on 3 August 2014, will convey to residents the great sacrifice made 100 years ago by the men and women of Bellshill and surrounding districts in a war that touched all sections of the community, and hopes that "at the going down of the sun and in the morning we will remember them.”

That the Parliament condemns the comments made by Johann Lamont MSP and John Pentland MSP with regard to the neonatal and maternity units at Wishaw General Hospital; requests that Johann Lamont withdraws her claim that “you would be best advised to not give birth to a child in Wishaw”, which it considers diminishes the excellent work of the staff at Wishaw General Hospital, particularly in the neonatal and maternity units; believes that the criticism levelled by Johann Lamont, and also John Pentland, is unfair and undignified and should be withdrawn forthwith, and calls on both to issue an apology to the excellent staff at Wishaw General Hospital’s neonatal and maternity units.

That the Parliament condemns the comments made by Johann Lamont MSP and John Pentland MSP with regard to the neonatal and maternity units at Wishaw General Hospital; requests that Johann Lamont withdraws her claim that “you would be best advised to not give birth to a child in Wishaw”, which it considers diminishes the excellent work of the staff at Wishaw General Hospital, particularly in the neonatal and maternity units; believes that the criticism levelled by Johann Lamont, and also John Pentland, is unfair and undignified and should be withdrawn forthwith, and calls on both to issue an apology to the excellent staff at Wishaw General Hospital’s neonatal and maternity units.

That the Parliament congratulates Petersburn Primary School and Chapelside Primary School Parent Council on being awarded £1,998 and £7,529 respectively by the Big Lottery Fund and understands that the money will be used to improve the outdoor play areas of both schools by buying new equipment that will increase the health and physical activity of children at the schools.

That the Parliament congratulates Petersburn Primary School and Chapelside Primary School Parent Council on being awarded £1,998 and £7,529 respectively by the Big Lottery Fund and understands that the money will be used to improve the outdoor play areas of both schools by buying new equipment that will increase the health and physical activity of children at the schools.

That the Parliament congratulates Uddingston Pride on being awarded £185,000 by the Big Lottery Fund; understands that the money will be used for a two-year refurbishment of Crofthead Park, which will include turning a dilapidated play park in the centre of Uddingston into a modern sports area with new age-appropriate and safe play equipment, adult gym equipment, paths, landscaping, planting and seating, and looks forward to the completion of the project so that the community can benefit from these upgrades.

That the Parliament congratulates Uddingston Pride on being awarded £185,000 by the Big Lottery Fund; understands that the money will be used for a two-year refurbishment of Crofthead Park, which will include turning a dilapidated play park in the centre of Uddingston into a modern sports area with new age-appropriate and safe play equipment, adult gym equipment, paths, landscaping, planting and seating, and looks forward to the completion of the project so that the community can benefit from these upgrades.

To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had with the UK Government regarding transfer of responsibility for the electoral registers.

Answered byMarco Biagi
(04/02/2015):

The Scottish Government has consistently called for the transfer of remaining responsibilities in relation to elections in Scotland (including the electoral registers) to the Scottish Parliament.

The UK Government published draft clauses on 22 January 2015 in response to the Smith Commission recommendation that the Scottish Parliament should have all powers in relation to Scottish Parliament and local government elections.

We will continue to discuss the draft clauses with the UK Government with a view to developing workable provisions ready for introduction as soon as possible after the general election in May 2015.

Current Status: Answered by Marco Biagi on 04/02/2015

To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had with the UK Government regarding transfer of responsibility for the electoral registers.

To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body whether there are proposals to install a bank ATM in the public area of the Parliament.

Answered byLinda Fabiani
(18/11/2014):

The Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body has no plans to install a bank ATM in the public area of the Parliament. For the convenience of visitors we accept credit and debit cards in the Parliament shop and the public café.

Current Status: Answered by Linda Fabiani on 18/11/2014

To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body whether there are proposals to install a bank ATM in the public area of the Parliament.